Five Reasons Not to Go See The Passion of Christ

The Banner of Truth: Biblical Christianity through Literature ^ | February 19, 2004 | Andrew J. Webb

[MegaSilver]

I understand. The problem with that is that it is both 1) unBiblical, and 2) leaves us with every man his own pope.

To the first point, most Protestants would disagree. To the second point, that can be a problem, but only if one over-stresses the individual.

Also, I have a really hard time getting over the idea of one man being able to speak the Word infallibly. I've heard the Catholic explanations over and over again, and I just can't come to terms with it.

Just in case I give the wrong impression, I am not anti-Catholic. I've been Catholic, I've been Baptist, and now I'm non-denominational. Historically, that means "Protestant," but I prefer to think of myself as "Christian," as I am not fully Protestant in my theological convictions. There are parts of Catholic-specific tradition that I don't reject to quite the degree that most of the members of my church would (like the doctrine of the Eucharist). And then there are some parts of Catholicism that I cannot (and probably will never) come to terms with enough to pursue Confirmation. I've tried.

[formerDem]

thanks for your reply.

Of course praying TO an image is wrong, but using an image (or visual aide, if you will) to prompt deeper contemplation is fine, I think. I really have a hard time staying focused on prayer and meditation (my mind is always wandering----very undisciplined neuro-transmitters!),so using pictures to help me stay focused, or using a rosary to count and say prayers as I meditate on Christ helps me.

[drlevy88]

This is very true. His death was horrible yet the focus is misplaced. The above phrase has it right. By far the physical was tolerable compared to the emotional pain.

Well, why didn't God script this little earthly act we know as the Incarnation as something a little nicer, such as Jesus having his head cut off? Or better yet, put it in what we know as the 20th century and get the electric chair or the needle? It was grueling and nasty to the max for a reason. It was a picture which, precisely because it is so ghastly looking, makes the point like nothing else could. Paul practically berates the Galatians for forgetting about Jesus "who was portrayed before their eyes as crucified."

[steve86]

The crucifixion itself was only a picture of a deeper sacrifice.

I don't disagree with that, at all.

But I believe that Jesus experienced the pain of crucifixion in a humanly sentient way, despite his ability to abstract that suffering "had he so wished". I don't know why the author of the article and others seem to think that Catholics fail to appreciate the profundity of God's deeper sacrifice.

[Trident/Delta]

You know, I have to wonder what it is that frightens the "anti-Mel" Christians so much? I mean, I can understand the Hollywierd crowd being up in arms, and to a certain degree, the Jews. But the Christians???? On top of that, I seem to remember that it was these same idiots (whoops, I mean "Christians") that said that Harry Potter was satanic. In "my" Christianity, I have the free will to see these movies and make up my own mind as to their affect on my beliefs and salvation. But, these "don't see it" types make me wonder what they are afraid of.

Gibson has never said that it is a 100% historically accurate epic, he has mainly said that it is HIS interpretation of events as he has read them in the Bible. So that being said, what is the problem here??? Hmmmmm....??????

Semper Fi

[Fenris6]

No counting of pinhead-dancing angels is needed. Pray to an image, that's wrong

And it goes even further than that. Its not merely prayer - its *worship* - and in the most general forms. Spend too much time in the mirror? Spend your energy lusting after Mammon? Investing your "faith" in temporal laws at the expense of God's laws? Idolitry all.

[SoDak]

Far be it for me to stand in the way of a good rumble on the threads. Like an old married couple bickering, it keeps things interesting and healthy to mix it up among the users. I'm just saying, I hope Christians can also see the common enemy, and realize that we're all a LOT closer to each other than we are to them. It's disheartening to read all the critical nonsense out there from folks like Rooney, for example, then to have some religious leaders come forward and seemingly side with the likes of that old lunkhead.

[drlevy88]

To fit with prophecy that he "had no stately form or majesty that we should be drawn to him." This could allude by constrast, to the loser, Saul, who was picked as king by seeming unanimous consensus of the Israelites just because he was such a tall, handsome looker. Who knows how Jesus looked, but compliments to his physique take up exactly 0% of the bible.

[bonfire]

He may have looked different to everyone so that they saw what they needed to see. Just a thought.

[TheDon]

Burn all the icons!! Didn't we do that before?

[claudiustg]

---"The passage in Romans refers to idolatry, which is forbidden even when well intentioned"

Thanks for your reply. If I'm not mistaken, there are some theological differences in the definition of idolatry (more studied people on FR can answer that, I'm sure).---

Yes I suspect there are a few theological differences! That whole passage though reflects Paul's strong disinclination towards sensuality in matters of the spirit.

[drlevy88]

On top of that, I seem to remember that it was these same idiots (whoops, I mean "Christians") that said that Harry Potter was satanic.

I believe a lot of Catholics would concur about Harry

[Fenris6]

...idiots (whoops, I mean "Christians") that said that Harry Potter was satanic. In "my" Christianity, I have the free will to see these movies and make up my own mind as to their affect on my beliefs and salvation.

1) Don't call people who disagree with you "idiots", idiot. :)

2) Harry Potter? Satanic? As someone who's dabbled in the occult, I can see the danger there, you can't. And yes - you have free will to see those kind of movies and make up your mind. You also have free will to experiment with crack-cocaine, although you would be wiser to listen to advice from those who have already traveled that path.

There are indeed dark forces in this world. You can't just play with them and walk away when your done. You think they're not tempting and devious and seductive?

On the surface Harry Potter looks harmless, playing around with Magic. Screwtape is anything but foolish. :) Semper Fidelis

[rwfromkansas]

Agreed. Anyway, I have had enough of stirring thigns up on this thread.

SEE THIS FILM IF YOU HAVEN'T. It really is quite good, and the remarks in the thread article really are over the top.

I may have to see this one again.

[drlevy88]

Jesus somehow managed to slip through crowds that were furious at Him. Very possible that changed His appearance at will.

[P-Marlowe]

The script for The Passion of Christ not only adds things that didn't occur in the Bible, it cuts out other things that did. The most widely known example of this being the important declaration, "His blood be on us and on our children." (Matthew 27:25)

Actually the line is still in the movie, it just isn't translated into the subtitles. You have to understand Aramaic to hear it.

BTW that line by the Jews is an example of biblical irony. Those who cried "his blood be upon us" were essentially asking for a curse to come upon them (if he was who he said he was), but the fact is that IF Christ's blood is upon you and your children, then (and only then) will you be blessed.

My cry is that Christ's blood will truly be upon me and my children... and my children's children.

[rwfromkansas]

I have no problem with Potter, but some do I guess.

I have heard tales of friends who have done things as innocent as the Ouji board.

There is no doubt in my mind that demons work in this world...the scary stuff Ouji users have to tell...

[Trident/Delta]

Take another toke there Fenris, you ain't high enough yet. Get a grip sunshine. Its only a freakin' movie.

Screwtape my A$$.

Semper Disgusted

[bonfire]

Very possible that changed His appearance at will.

Now THAT'S interesting!!

[Fenris6]

Its only a freakin' movie.

And "Der Sterner" was _only_ a freakin newspaper.